Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection with hantaviruses is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. The majority of cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) have occurred in Alberta and other western provinces in Canada and in the southwestern region of the United States.

You can reduce your exposure to rodents that may carry hantaviruses by:

• Reducing rodents indoors and outdoors.
• Cleaning up rodent-infested areas.

Special precautions for hikers and campers also may be needed to avoid contact with infected rodents.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Ralph Poore	Last Updated: May 23, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Pierre Rollin, MD - Center's for Disease Control and Prevention
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